If you regularly cook gratins, cakes or roasts, start by comparing mini ovens with the cooking modes and interior space your dishes require. A combi microwave is a better choice if reheating matters too, an air fryer if you mainly cook small portions that need browning, and a multicooker if you prepare most meals in a cooking pot. In every case, check the available space, the clearances specified in the instruction manual and the power supply before you buy.
If your meals often include gratins, baked goods or roasts, start with the size of your tins and dishes, then look for a suitable cavity and heating modes. The modes listed by Moulinex for its Optimo mini oven and by Whirlpool for its combi microwave show why it’s important to compare the specific functions rather than just the appliance name.
An air fryer is worth considering if you mainly cook one or two portions that need browning or roasting. However, the basket’s shape means you’ll need to check which foods and containers will fit. UFC-Que Choisir also includes noise, cleaning and cooking quality among its assessment criteria.
For soups, steamed vegetables or slow-cooked dishes, compare the modes actually available on each multicooker. Moulinex lists pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking for its Cookeo+; these functions don’t give its cooking pot the same cooking space as a mini oven.
Start by deciding what you’ll actually cook, then compare the containers and cooking modes you’ll need with the space available in your kitchen.
Consider it: if you regularly cook in a tin or dish, or on a rack, and need the corresponding heating modes.
Bear in mind: it takes up permanent space on your worktop, and its capacity in litres doesn’t guarantee that your dishes will fit.
Consider it: if you want one appliance for reheating, defrosting, grilling and convection cooking.
Bear in mind: what you can do depends on the modes included on the specific model; an appliance with a grill doesn’t necessarily offer convection cooking.
Consider it: for portions that fit in a basket and that you want to cook, roast or brown.
Bear in mind: the basket’s shape limits which dishes you can use; noise and cleaning also matter for everyday use.
Consider it: if your meals mainly involve steaming, slow cooking or pressure cooking.
Bear in mind: cooking in a pot alone can’t replicate roasting on a rack or in a large dish.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking in dishes and tins | Usable cavity dimensions and the required modes, such as fan-assisted heat or a grill, depending on your recipes. | If I often make gratins or cakes, my dishes need to fit in the appliance without compromising on the heating mode I want. Around 31% of consumers put oven-style cooking first. |
| Small portions that need browning | Usable basket area, the quantity recommended in the instruction manual and how easy it is to clean. | For smaller meals, I want to brown food without being limited by the shape of the basket. This is thought to be a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Meals cooked in a pot | Available cooking modes, pot capacity and included accessories. | When I mainly make soups or slow-cooked dishes, cooking in a pot with minimal supervision matters more than having space for a tin. Around 23% of consumers are thought to make this their main requirement. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door or drawer clearance, the clearances specified in the instruction manual and the power supply. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to open and use the appliance without obstructing the worktop or overlooking its electrical connection. This is thought to be the top priority for around 15% of consumers. |
A listed cooking mode won’t make up for a basket that’s too narrow for your tin, or for the lack of the heating mode your recipe needs. A multicooker designed for cooking in a pot serves a different purpose from a mini oven.
Write down three dishes you make often, then check the container, its dimensions and the mode required for each one.
The interior capacity doesn’t tell you how much external space the appliance takes up. For example, Whirlpool lists a depth of 54 cm for its MWSC833W combi microwave; the space required around an appliance depends on the instructions in its manual.
Measure your worktop and the clearance needed for the door or drawer, then check the ventilation instructions for the model you’re considering.
INRS warns against daisy-chaining extension leads and says the total power of the connected appliances must be compatible with the extension lead’s rated power.
Compare the rated power of appliances that may be used at the same time with the specifications of their power supply. If you’re unsure about your installation, have it checked by a qualified professional.
A crisping accessory changes how you use a multicooker and how much space it takes up; don’t assume that this function is part of the basic appliance.
Check which configuration you need for your recipes, as well as where you’ll store and clean the accessories.
Moulinex says the Extra Crisp accessory for certain Cookeo+ models is sold separately.
Its ranges let you explore two distinct uses: a countertop mini oven and a multicooker.
The MWSC833W is an example of a freestanding combi microwave that brings together several cooking methods and reheating.
Its air fryer range includes compact models for smaller portions as well as models with two baskets.
These appliances offer two ways to cook without an oven: a multicooker for meals prepared in a pot, and air fryers for food that suits a basket. If you regularly use tins or large dishes, compare their usable dimensions with those of a mini oven or combi microwave too.
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Worth considering if you mainly prepare meals in a cooking pot rather than a roasting dish.
This 7-in-1 electric multicooker has a stated capacity of 3.8 L and is designed for up to four portions. Check its dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual to make sure it’ll fit on your worktop.
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Worth a look if you want to divide food between two drawers rather than cook everything in a single cavity.
The model name lists six functions and a total capacity of 7.6 L. If you plan to use tins, check the usable dimensions of each drawer, as well as the clearances specified in the instruction manual.
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Worth comparing if you’d like to prepare two different foods in separate baskets.
The stated total capacity is 9 L. Check the usable size of each basket against your recipes rather than assuming the total volume tells you how much will fit. Also check the ventilation instructions.
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Worth considering for basket cooking if the stated capacity suits your portions and the space you have available.
This model has a capacity of 7.6 L. Measure the space available and check the basket’s usable dimensions before planning to use a dish or tin in it.
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Worth considering if you mainly prepare small portions and don’t need a large basket.
The product name lists a capacity of 2 L, a rated power of 1,150 W, a 60-minute timer and a non-stick basket. Check its external dimensions and settings, and read the instructions before choosing a spot for it.
A mini oven with suitable heating modes is a good place to start if you cook in tins or dishes. Moulinex lists fan-assisted heat, conventional heat and a grill for its Optimo 19 L; check the internal dimensions and usable height before assuming your usual containers will fit.
It can cover some uses, provided the model actually has the convection and grill modes your dishes need. Whirlpool, for example, describes reheating and cooking functions on its combi microwaves. However, you’ll need to check the modes available, the space for your dish and which containers are suitable for each appliance.
Its basket may not accommodate some tins and dishes, even if the appliance claims to offer an oven-style cooking function. UFC-Que Choisir notes that air fryers can cook, roast or grill food. Even so, check the basket’s usable dimensions against your recipes, and consider noise and cleaning too.
Check its rated power, the position and condition of the socket, and the load from any other appliances that will be running at the same time. INRS advises against daisy-chaining extension leads and recommends staying within their rated power. If you’re unsure about your installation, ask a qualified professional for advice. Also follow the clearances specified in the appliance’s instruction manual.